Portlanders woke up to cool, mostly clear skies on Thursday morning, June 25, with temperatures in the upper 50s. The calm is not sticking around for long. A frontal system is set to move onshore late Thursday and keep the metro area cooler and wetter through Saturday night, with a high near 76°F today and highs in the mid 60s expected Friday and Saturday. The best shot at measurable rain arrives after 11 p.m. Thursday, June 25, into Friday morning, June 26, so late-day plans should stay flexible. Expect breezier conditions and a noticeable cool-down compared with last week's heat.
Tonight Into Saturday: Rain, Gusts and a Few Storms
Rain is expected to move onshore late Thursday night, with the heaviest window from late Thursday into Friday morning. Overnight valley totals look generally light, often under a tenth of an inch, while the coast and Coast Range could see higher amounts. Winds will swing around to the south-southwest, with inland gusts near 20 to 25 mph and stronger gusts along exposed ridges and coastal waters. Out on the ocean, seas are forecast to build from about 4 to 5 feet into the 7 to 9 foot range this weekend.
Thunderstorm chances tick up to roughly 10 to 15 percent Friday afternoon, June 26, and 15 to 25 percent Saturday, June 27. Organized severe storms are not expected, but any storms that do pop could deliver brief heavy downpours and erratic gusty winds. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect from 11 p.m. Thursday, June 25, to 5 a.m. Friday, June 26, according to the National Weather Service Portland.
Boaters and Commuters: What to Expect
Boaters should plan around choppy waters and that Small Craft Advisory late Thursday night. Secure loose gear and avoid small-craft outings during the advisory window if you can. On land, drivers should be ready for slick roads during the Friday morning commute on June 26 and gusty crosswinds on exposed routes, especially heading toward the Columbia River Gorge where stronger gusts are possible. For background on how this system differs from earlier June heat, there is a recent breakdown of the pattern shift.
Quick Prep Tips
Bring an umbrella for Thursday evening plans and build in a little extra time for Friday's commute. Cyclists should assume slick spots where heavier showers develop. Around the house, secure patio furniture and anything else that might take flight in the wind, and keep an eye on beach and river forecasts if you have plans near the water. Before heading out, check updated forecasts, since conditions are expected to evolve through the weekend.
